Mature Understanding

Mature Understanding By Kirk Hunt

Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

1 Corinthians 14:20 NKJV

 

Paul told the saints at Corinth to be clever but guileless.  The Apostle wanted them to be people of insight and cleverness, yet without being maliciousness or conniving.  Godly men and women should always have mature understanding and never be gullible or undiscerning.

 

Jesus, at Matthew 10:16, says the same thing.  “All smarts, no venom” is for you and I, here and now.  Intelligence, intellect and insight are not the opposite of faith, innocence and integrity.  In fact, saints should be the smartest folks in the room, because the Holy Spirit empowers the mind as well as the soul.

 

There are a lot of folks who want to sell you a lot of nonsense.  A suit, tie and holy mannerisms may disguise a malicious predator.  Just because you want to hear something does not make it right or righteous.  Be smart.  Be perceptive.

 

Mature men and women examine what is presented to them.  They are smart enough to know that the easy thing is not always the right thing.  God’s people never dismiss a good messenger because of an imperfect past or difficult message. 

 

With the Holy Spirit empowering your heart, mind and spirit, you can be mature and understanding in matters both sacred and secular.  Through God, you can be perceptive and insightful, without losing your holiness or innocence.  Still, you will have to be mature enough to do the hard work of seeing past the fake to the authentic.

 

Think:        The strong and mature consider what people want them to believe.

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to understand what I should choose for my life.”

 

 

Copyright © September 2016, Kirk Hunt

 

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

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